LA Rams News: 22 UDFA complete analysis post-2020 NFL Draft

Defensive tackles

I – Michael Hoecht
One of the first to pique enthusiasm was the unexpected signing of Brown University’s defensive tackle Michael Hoecht. Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 290 pounds, while posting a 40-yard dash time of 4.65-seconds. He is a former high school running back, so that fullback position is still a possibility in the LA Rams 2020 offense.  He also recorded 23 reps of 225 pounds during his virtual pro day.

Hoecht is listed as a defensive tackle, where he recorded 17 sacks and 158 tackles.  That is not his only role, as he clearly has the speed and power to rush a passer as a defensive end in a 3-4 defensive front. Since he has both an offense and defense background, he truly offers the Rams a virtual blank slate to rework his football career in the role that most suits him on the team. He was also drafted by the Canadian Football League, so if he does not land a roster spot on the Rams, he will have other football opportunities in the near future.

II- Sam Renner

The LA Rams signed another he-might-be-special defensive lineman when they inked Minnesota Golden Gopher Sam Renner to a contract. He is a 6-foot 4 275-pound athletic defensive lineman who can play virtually any defensive line position on the Rams’ 3-4 front line.  He is a five-year starter, and his senior season with 43 tackles, 8.5 tackles-for-loss (TFLs), and 5.0 sacks was a career-best. Draft Rite scout Erik Hindenburg was particularly high on Renner.  You may recall that Erik gave a third-party perspective about the LA Rams 2020 Draft, as well as an assessment of NFC West rivals heading into the draft.

Renner is technically sound. He uses good leverage and understands how to “go-low” to get his pads under that of his opponent. Despite fighting for position on the line of scrimmage, he maintains his eye on the ball and is seldom fooled by trickery. He needs to improve strength and burst, both of which can be corrected by an NFL strength and conditioning coach. A sound fundamental player.